The Force is strong with this one

This week, LucasArts releases Star Wars The Clone Wars: Republic Heroes for multiple platforms, continuing the adventures of Anakin Skywalker and his fellow Jedi Knights. Playing it made us recall our favorite moments in Star Wars video games, from blowing up the Death Star to tripping an AT-AT. Join us for a special look at these memorable moments, and may the Force be with you.

Destroying the Death Star (Star Wars Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader)

We first experienced Luke Skywalker's heroic trench run in the old Star Wars arcade game, complete with primitive vector graphics. LucasArts outdid itself, however, with this impressive GameCube launch title. Never before had we seen something so accurate to the film, with gorgeous graphics, plenty of TIE Fighters to blast and climactic scenes from Episode IV, including the one where Han Solo saves Luke's butt, allowing him to make the near impossible shot.


Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope

 

Playing Atari's Star Wars arcade game (Star Wars)
Sure, Rogue Leader's Death Star trench run looks more realistic, but we still have fond memories of pumping quarters into Atari's 1983 Star Wars arcade game. Not only does it feature cool looking vector graphics, but also limited speech (that was huge at the time), furious shooting action and signature Star Wars theme music.

The Battle of Hoth (Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire)

Every Star Wars fan remembers their first time, as in the epic Battle of Hoth. Shadows of the Empire, one of the premier N64 games, allows players to hop into a snow speeder and fly rings around the towering AT-ATs, the goal to wrap tow cables around the legs. It looks horrible by today's standards, but at the time, this blew our minds.


Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back

 

Using Force powers (Star Wars: The Force Unleashed)

Previous Star Wars games let players use the Force, but The Force Unleashed takes it to a whole other level. After completing a brief tutorial, players enter a hangar full of Rebels and Stormtroopers. From there, they proceed to slaughter them all using Force Push and Force Lightning, while at the same time destroying a bunch of ships. It feels so good to be so bad.

Working for the Empire (Star Wars: TIE Fighter)

Most Star Wars games cast players as the good-natured Rebel Alliance, but not TIE Fighter. LucasArts turned the tables with its PC space shooter, letting gamers pilot the Empire's ships and use them to hunt X-wings and other spacecraft. Personally, we were hooked the moment we sent the very first Rebel to his grave. Long live the Emperor!

Being Darth Vader (Star Wars: The Force Unleashed)

The Force Unleashed makes the list yet again for its opening level. LucasArts casts players as Darth Vader as he leads the Empire's invasion of Kashyyyk, the Wookie home world. Armed with his signature red lightsaber and jacked up Force powers, players slice wookies, push them off ledges and cut through objects as John William's famous Imperial March plays in the background.

Speeder Bike stage (Super Star Wars: Return of the Jedi)

Those old school Super Star Wars games have some sweet Mode 7 vehicle missions that showcase the Super Nintendo's power. Personally, we're fond of the Endor level in Return of the Jedi, where players navigate their way through the forest blasting Scout Troopers and dodging trees while traveling at ludicrous speeds. It's ridiculously hard and we spent much of our time slamming the controllers to the ground, but back in the 90s, it provided a nice adrenaline rush.


Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi

 

Battling the Wampa (Super Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back)

We'll always remember the Wampa boss in Super Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back because he's so big. Instead of going with a more life size creature from the film, LucasArts transformed it into this humongous monster that dominates the screen. Thankfully, he's a pushover. Just dodge his breath (that makes no sense) and claws while slashing him with Luke's lightsaber.

Steering a pod racer (Star Wars: Episode I Racer)

Say what you will about the lengthy movie sequence, but Star Wars Episode 1: Racer is a blast, both on Nintendo 64 and Dreamcast. LucasArts took the best moments from the film and threw them into the video game, allowing players to go in excess of 500 miles per hour through a plethora of Star Wars inspired environments, such as Boonta Eve Classic on Tatooine. In addition, there's a host of riders to choose from (Anakin Skywalker or Sebulba, for example), vehicle destruction, plenty of twists/turns and finally, that signature Star Wars music. Even today, few racers come close to matching this game's thrilling speed.


Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace

 

Luke Skywalker battles Darth Vader (Star Wars: Masters of Teras Kasi)

The only thing good about this horrible fighting game is the climactic battle between father and son. Both Luke and his corrupted dad square off in the Emperor's throne room, swinging lightsabers and using Force powers to gain the advantage. At the time, it was so good that we endured several rounds of atrocious brawling for less than five minutes of fun. Yes, we're pathetic.

Since we couldn't find video of Luke vs. Vader, please accept this spot on review.